November 2017

Health-E-News November 2017empowering you to optimal health

Addiction and Chiropractic Care

When it comes to chiropractic, many believe that its focus is to relieve patients of symptoms that are largely associated with musculoskeletal conditions and/or everyday aches and pains. However, research suggests that chiropractic intervention can be beneficial for patients who suffer from substance abuse.

Substances of abuse affect the structure and function of neurons that are localized in the brain’s reward system. This in turn, can cause long-lasting changes that lead to addictive behavior. Repeated use of cocaine for example, causes dendritic sprouting in several areas of the brain that increase synaptic sensitivity and increase craving and relapse. This makes it incredibly difficult for individuals to control their addiction and dampens their potential for recovery.

A 63-year-old male with a history of cocaine abuse presented to the chiropractor with the following symptoms and conditions: low back pain, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, gastritis, benign prostate hypertrophy, obesity, venous insufficiency and significant cognitive impairment. At the time of his initial assessment, the patient also indicated the use of several medications such as Lisinopril, Prevacid, Aspirin, Hydrochlorothiazide, Potassium Chloride, ProAir inhaler, Spiriva, Symbiocort, Flomax, Flinasteride, and Seroquel.

The patient’s chiropractic treatment consisted of Torque Release Technique (TRT), P300 wave testing, surface EMG and thermography by Insight Subluxation Station, and Addiction Severity Index (ASI) scores. He was seen three times per week over the course of an 8 month period whereby his progress was tracked using psychological assessments pre and post treatment. These assessments revealed an increase in the patient’s quality of life and an accompanying decrease in the symptoms mentioned above.

This case study provides evidence of positive health outcomes as a result of chiropractic care in the treatment of a patient with a cocaine addiction. In combination with a typical drug addiction treatment, the patient showed great improvement.

A Natural Way to Relieve Childhood Congestion

Do the kids suffer from childhood congestion that you just can’t seem to get control of? You may not have heard that the chiropractor can be a good source of relief for this issue. If you’re hesitant to take the kids to a chiropractor for adjustments while they have a growing body, keep in mind that it’s not only safe, but it’s recommended for great health.

Not only will their body be functioning with optimal health, but things like childhood congestion won’t be as big of an issue for your household like it may be for others. Take a look at why children are seeing congestive relief from chiropractic adjustments.

Why chiropractic adjustments are safe for little ones

You may be hesitant to take the little ones to the chiropractor seeing that you may view their bodies as small, fragile, and delicate as they grow into adults. In reality, chiropractic visits for kids is great for their health and not harmful at all. It’s actually a non-invasive treatment method for ailments or preventative care that is much more beneficial than invasive pharmaceuticals or surgeries. A chiropractic adjustment is a gentle therapy, perfect for developing bodies, and offers many benefits to children and adults.

Seeing the chiropractor for congestive issues

When kids end up catching that cold going around at school, you may want to run to the doctor’s office for these chronic cold symptoms. It seems like colds can go on for months and that your children are going to have runny noses and persistent coughing until the springtime, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Rather than seeing a prescription from the doctor, try a chiropractic adjustment to see if something in the body isn’t functioning at 100%.

How can a child’s congestive issues get healed at the chiropractor? Since chiropractic adjustments boost immune systems and treat cold or sinus infections, it’s easier and takes less time to heal from a cold. Your chiropractor may do an upper cervical neck adjustment to relieve the tension on your brain stem, relaxing the throat in the process and draining the sinus passages in the head.

When there is so much tension in the neck, your nervous system struggles to communicate to the sinus passages which prevent drainage from excess pressure. Not only does this cause endless symptoms all winter, but bacteria may start to grow requiring an antibiotic to kill the bacteria. Getting your adjustments will not only relieve symptoms, but you’ll heal faster and avoid killing good and bad bacteria in your body with an antibiotic. Kids will feel better in a matter of minutes!

You don’t have to fear taking the kids to the chiropractor for treatment or preventative are. It’s actually the best time to take them as they are growing and developing their spine and nervous systems. Chiropractic adjustments can relieve those congestive issues and get their body working at optimal conditions in no time!

Can a Lack of Vitamin C & Too Much Sugar Cause a Cold?

You’ve likely heard it before; Vitamin C is the best medicine during a cold, along with a lot of rest and liquids. The question is, why is Vitamin C the automatic go-to suggestion for someone suffering from a cold? It turns out that the lack of Vitamin C could contribute to causing a cold in the first place.

In addition, scientists are learning that excessive sugar in your diet could make you more immune to catching a cold as well. You may notice that kids start getting sick right after Halloween and Christmas when candy eating has been at an all-time high. While the holidays are a fun time to indulge, it’s important to make sure that you are cutting back on the sugar and keeping up on your Vitamin C needs. Take a look at how these two areas affect your likelihood of catching a cold this winter.

The Effect of Vitamin C and Sugar on your Immune System

If your mom told you to take Vitamin C when you caught a cold growing up, it’s because she knew that Vitamin C is associated with supported your white blood cell function being an antioxidant. Since it’s essential to have a healthy white blood cell function for a proper immune system, things that affect this part of your body need to be considered when you catch a cold.

One thing that that keeps this part of your body healthy is Vitamin C and one thing that inhibits your white blood cells from working properly is sugar. Through the process of phagocytosis, your white blood cells aren’t able to attack bacteria and viruses as well due to excessive sugar.

How do I avoid this?

If you’re concerned about your sweet tooth around the holidays, along with your forgetfulness to seek out healthy choices containing Vitamin C between all of the holiday dishes you enjoy, there are still ways to enjoy the best of both worlds. While overindulging in sweets, alcohol, and carbs is a popular choice over the holidays and chilly winter season, it’s important to remember that life is all about enjoying things in moderation. Limiting your sugar intake is the best choice you can make this year.

You’ll be tempted by delicious chocolate candy, your favorite holiday breads, alcoholic drinks to ring in the New Year, and more, but all of these items contain hidden sugars that can make excessive intake all too easy.

Make sure to choose a favorite dish, treat, or drink and enjoy it with some healthier options. Bake your own holiday treats for your next party that contains natural sweeteners like fruits. Choose drinks like wine or liquor with very little sweet mixers added, rather than mixed drinks and beer. Try to limit the egg nog and enjoy a bit more water this season to make up for the other treats you’re already enjoying.

Along with limiting your sugar intake and increasing water to allow your white blood cells to function normally during the cold season, it’s a good idea to incorporate plenty of Vitamin C foods into your daily diet. The more you can prepare your body for fighting against viruses and bacteria, the less likely you are to catch a bug. Choose the vitamin and nutrient-rich foods this season more than ever to fight off the likelihood of catching an infection from anyone carrying it that may not even know it yet.

Use these tips to make sure you are staying healthy this season with primarily focusing on limiting sugar and increasing Vitamin C before a bug can get into your system.